not invalidate our law. I continue to work with my colleagues to examine the ruling for its potential impact on Massachusetts and assess whether we need to amend our statute. As ugly debates about the dignity of LGBTQ+ people swirl at the national level, I remain committed to defending marginalized youth here in Massachusetts.” “I oppose a blanket ban on so-called conversion therapy because I am concerned that it is too broadly interpreted and in fact infringes on legitimate, patient-centered talk therapy that explores underlying issues through open dialogue and thoughtful questioning,” said Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Sutton). “Patients should have the freedom to engage in therapeutic conversations that challenge, rather than simply affi rm, their perspectives when appropriate. To be sure, abusive coercion and shaming of a patient is wrong and should not be allowed. However, the other side of that coin is overly broad prohibitions that could unintentionally limit clinicians’ ability to provide genuine care based on THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 1, 2026 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 Rep. Susannah Whipps each patient’s needs.” “The Supreme Court made clear that counseling conversations are protected speech, and the government cannot favor one viewpoint over another,” said a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center. “We are hopeful this decision will open the door to challenging similar laws in Massachusetts and restoring the freedom of counselors to speak honestly with those they serve.” “The vote regarding conversion therapy contained provisions regarding professional government compelled speech,” said Rep. Dave DeCoste (R-Norwell). “There was no aversive therapy conducted in Massachusetts. Anything like that would have been child abuse under the law.” There were two roll calls on the bill in the House. Two representatives changed their votes on the second roll call. - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 831-2200 Docket No. WO26A0062AD CITATION G .L. c. 210, § 6 In the matter of: ISAIAH OSCAR ROBLES To: Julio Oscar Robles any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth. A petition has been presented to said court by: Fernando Roscoe of Millville, MA Sandra Roscoe-Diaz of Millville, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to Isaiah Oscar Roscoe-Diaz IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT: Worcester ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON: 06/23/2026 WITNESS, Hon. Kathryn M. Bailey, First Justice of this Court. Date: March 18, 2026 STEPHANIE K. FATTMAN REGISTER OF PROBATE April 17, 24, May 01, 2026 All work is subject to the applicable provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30, § 39M and Chapter 149, §§ 44A-44H inclusive. Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid on the work as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Industries under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, §§ 26-27 inclusive. Specifications, bid documents, and instructions will be available beginning April 29, 2026 via download at https://cityofeverett.com/bids/. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to register as a plan holder. Please note all addendum will be posted to the City’s website. Site Visit: See IFB Project Estimate: $2,100,000 Sealed Bids will be received until May 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Procurement Department City Hall, Room 14, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities when deemed in the best interest of the City. Kiara Freeman Chief Procurement Officer City of Everett May 01, 2026 IFB No.: PLD-26-100 Project Name: Northern Strand Trail Connection (Wellington Connector) Legal Notice The City of Everett seeks sealed bids from qualified General Contractors for work connecting to the Northern Strand Community Trail, improving crossings at the Santilli Circle Connector and Santilli Highway, and building a shared use path along the north side of Revere Beach Parkway to the River Trail. Additional work includes lighting, fencing, paving, striping, erosion control BMPs, wetlands mitigation/replication, and landscaping. CITY OF EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS INVITATION FOR BIDS (U-Athol) was fi rst recorded as voting “No” and then was recorded as voting “Yes” on the second roll call. Whipps told Beacon Hill Roll Call, “During the 2019 roll call, my vote was incorrectly recorded. I immediately notifi ed the clerk and speaker and requested a correction. A second roll call was taken to refl ect my actual position, and I voted against conversion therapy. That refl ects my position then and now.” Rep. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) was fi rst recorded as voting “Yes” and then was recorded as voting “No” on the second roll call. Boldyga did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to explain why he was recorded as voting diff erently on the two roll calls. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill banning conversion therapy. A “No” vote is against the bill banning conversion therapy and supPage 17 ports allowing the therapy. There was only one roll call in the Senate while the House held two roll calls.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes/Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL LEGAL AGE TO BUY TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND OTHER ADULTUSE PRODUCTS (H 5271) – The House, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave initial approval to a bill that would provide that any state law approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, that establishes a minimum age for the purchase of a product or service, or for participation in an activity, supersedes and preempts any rule, regulation, ordinance or by-law of a local city or town. The law would apply to products including tobacco products, nicotine delivery systems, alcoholic beverages and gambling. Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he fi led the bill and to comment on its passage. Supporters of the bill say that some cities and towns have implemented local age restrictions on these sales that are stricter and confl ict with state law. They argued that this patchwork of local laws is confusing and unfair and said the state should have the power to make these local laws null and void and ensure that any state law supersedes a local law on these sales. Stephen Helfer, co-founder of Cambridge Citizens for Smokers’ Rights, said he applauds this proposal and supports that state law supersede any hodge podge of local regulations. “Retailers with multiple locations are hurt by the zealousness of some municipalities who wish to erode adult choice,” continued Helfer. “Adults are infantilized by health zealots who think they know what everybody should do. Isn’t this the state where individual liberty was born?” Opponents of the measure BEACON | SEE PAGE 18
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